Don Maclean: Smiling Through

This is a biography of the comedian and entertainer, Don MacLean, examining his life, career and Roman Catholic faith. He was born into a staunchly Catholic family in Birmingham and educated at a Roman Catholic school. After an abortive start in the Civil Service, Don got a job at a holiday camp on Hayling Island where he was unexpectedly promoted to entertainments manager. He then enrolled at Birmingham Theatre School where he spent three years. He soon got regular work in pantomimes and summer seasons, appearing on television with performers like Billy Cotton, Val Doonican and Roy Castle. His breakthrough came in 1970 with a season in Blackpool and then at the London Palladium in the Englebert Humperdink Show. This led to regular television appearances over the next five years with "Crackerjack" and "The Black and White Minstrels". He also had his own show, "The Cheapest Show on the Telly", which launched the career of Lenny Henry. In 1989, Don was asked to reflect the opinions of the Roman Catholic Church on a Radio 2 discussion programme. This led to the job of presenting Radio 2's religious programme, "Good Morning Sunday", which he now sees as his most important job, in which he exercises a real ministry. This book presents him as an entertainer who has always been guided by a strong faith and a love for his family.